Manchester United they are sweating for the fitness of the captain and the talisman Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder was ruled out of Portugal League of Nations match against Norway.
Fernandes started Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales last week but was replaced by Joao Neves in the closing stages, and has now been ruled out of their second game against the Norwegians on Sunday.
“In the match against Wales we went in with all the players available, but Bruno Fernandes came out with a complicated problem,” coach Jorge Jesus said during his press conference.
“We’ll see what happens until tomorrow. Experience tells me that on the third day not all players manage to recover, but that’s the same for Norway as it is for us.
“However, the player who enters gives as many guarantees as the one who could leave, I will base my decision on this.
“The medical team identified these two players as the most concerning, Nuno Mendes could be available for the game.
“The other case (Fernandes) is the treatment and the recovery time. He’s coming off an injury at United and he told me he’s been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is making it difficult for him.
“It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.”
Bruno Fernandes injury: What it means for Man Utd
Jesus’ words suggest Fernandes is being rested as a precaution and reports suggest he could feature in Thursday’s clash against Denmark.
The best case scenario for Man Utd is that his injury is not considered serious and he is available for their final two games, before returning to the club unscathed.
Man Utd are back in action on Saturday October 10 against Tottenham at Old Trafford, with both struggling clubs desperate to kick-start their respective seasons.